In warfare for their neighbours.

A cheerful saint too, oft would he
Mellow old Time with minstrelsy,--
But such as gave no scandal;
Than his was never harp more famed;
For Dunstan was the blacksmith named
Harmonious by Handel.

And when with tuneful voice he sang,
His well-strung harp's melodious twang
Accompaniment lending;
So sweetly wedded were the twain,
The chords flowed mingled with the strain,
Mellifluently blending.

Now 'tis well known mankind's great foe
Oft lurks and wanders to and fro,
In bailiwicks and shires;
Scattering broad-cast his mischief-seeds,
Planting the germs of wicked deeds,
Choking fair shoots with poisonous weeds,
Till goodness nigh expires.

Well, so it chanced, this tramping vagrant,
Intent on villanies most flagrant,
Ranged by Saint Dunstan's gate;
And hearing music so delicious,
Like hooded snake, his spleen malicious
Swelled up with envious hate.